Robotic capsule endoscope for minimally invasive surgical procedures, micro-patterned treads for friction enhancement of a robotic capsule endoscope in a biological environment, and process for fabrication of micro-treads

US9339169B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of Colorado, a Body Corporate · US

Inventors

• Mark Rentschler · Boulder, US
• Levin Sliker · Colorado Springs, US
• Benjamin Terry · Lincoln, US
• Madalyn Diane Kern · Broomfield, US
• Jonathan Schoen · Denver, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2012
• Grant date: May 17, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/24479
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Micro-patterned treads for endoscopes are disclosed. In an embodiment, the treads include a micro-patterned surface and a roller engaging surface. Micro-patterned tread bearing robotic capsule endoscopes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes a housing, a motor, a geared drive, rollers, and at least one micro-patterned tread. Methods of fabricating closed loop treads are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a solid layer of PDMS on one side of double-sided tape and wrapping a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape. In another embodiment, a method includes forming a timing belt PDMS strip on one side of double-sided tape and a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape.